Fort’s tax center opens Jan. 14

The Fort Leonard Wood Tax Center, operated by the office of the staff judge advocate, is scheduled to open Monday, Jan. 14, to assist soldiers, their families and qualified military retirees, with preparation of individual 2012 tax returns.

The Fort Leonard Wood Tax Center, operated by the office of the staff judge advocate, is scheduled to open Monday, Jan. 14, to assist soldiers, their families and qualified military retirees, with preparation of individual 2012 tax returns.

A grand opening ceremony for the Tax Center is planned for Thursday, Jan. 17. The Tax Center is scheduled to be open through April 19.

The Tax Center is located on the first floor of the office of the staff judge advocate in Building 315, at the intersection of Missouri and Headquarters avenues.

Hours of operation for the Tax Center are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Appointments are scheduled weekdays between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and may be made by calling the Tax Center at 573-596-1040.

Clients should bring the following documents to their scheduled appointments: military identification; last year’s tax return; Social Security cards for self and any dependents being claimed; W-2s, 1099s, interest statements and related documents to justify itemized deductions; a voided check, deposit slip or proof of bank routing and account numbers; a power of attorney, if required; an IRS Form 8832, if a non-custodial parent is claiming a dependency deduction; total payment amount and caregiver’s Social Security number, if claiming dependent care deduction; and a completed client intake form provided by the Tax Center.

People eligible for tax services should know that the center assists with simple individual tax returns and does not assist with filing for small businesses or very complex individual returns. People with questions as to whether the Tax Center can prepare a return should call 573-596-1040 or the legal assistance office at 573-596-0629.

Last year, the Tax Center filed more than 2,500 federal tax returns.

Drop Box

The Tax Center will offer a new feature in 2013 – a drop box – according to Capt. Bridget Karns, Tax Center officer in charge.

The drop box service is available to single and married taxpayers, without dependents, who are taking only the standard deduction. Tax returns processed through the drop box will usually be ready for pickup by close of business the next day, Karns said.

To use the drop box, clients need to complete the client intake form at the Tax Center’s reception area, and allow tax preparers to photocopy their supporting tax return documents. Tax preparers will call the client when the return is ready for pickup.

Karns advised Tax Center clients to bring their military ID card and Social Security card when dropping off and picking up tax returns. For additional information, call Karns at 573-596-0629.